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touch on

B1 neutral inseparable transitive
In simple words

To talk about something for a short time without explaining it fully.

Literal meaning: To lightly make contact with the surface of something.

Meanings

1 B1 idiomatic neutral

To mention or deal with a topic briefly without exploring it in depth.

"In today's lecture, we'll touch on the causes of the French Revolution before moving to the consequences."

"I just want to touch on a few of the issues that I think are important."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B2 idiomatic formal

To relate or be connected to a particular subject or area.

"Her research touches on questions of ethics that concern us all."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Very commonly used in academic, professional, and journalistic contexts to indicate that a topic is mentioned but not fully explored. Often used in presentations, speeches, and essays. The speaker or writer typically touches on several points in quick succession. Slightly less formal than 'touch upon'.

Commonly used with

issue topic subject point theme question

Forms

Base
touch on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
touches on
he/she/it
Past simple
touched on
yesterday
Past participle
touched on
have + pp
-ing form
touching on
continuous

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Synonyms

mention briefly allude to refer to touch upon skim over address briefly

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